Three years ago, in the first issue of Jet Asia-Pacific magazine, the Gulfstream G550 was featured, a new aircraft at the time. Since that issue, the G550 has set many new city-pair speed records, and Gulfstream has made several modifications to the plane that lower drag, increase range and save fuel.
In two separate flights in late March 2007, a G550 flew a total of 11,694 nautical miles and established two new city-pair speed records in the process: 11 hours and 32 minutes from Auckland to Hong Kong; and 13 hours, 9 minutes from Hong Kong to Las Vegas.
Able to fly farther than any other business-jet aircraft in its class, the G550 can accommodate up to 19 passengers, fly at a maximum speed of 0.885 Mach and cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Comfort was a major consideration in designing the craft, which comes with an advanced fresh air system, maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, and 14 signature oval windows that allow for ample natural lighting.
The G550 program started in 1999 as an advanced cockpit project and gradually evolved into a total aircraft upgrade. The program's initial prototype was known as the GV-SP – shorthand for "GV-Special Performance" – a new version of the first business jet with New York to Tokyo range, the Gulfstream GV.
